NAPA know-how dumps Waltrip Racing

This was the blow MWR feared.

Following the team orders scandal at the Richmond Autoparts 400 that closed out NASCAR's regular season, Michael Waltrip Racing received record-penalties, and NASCAR implemented new rules to deal with future issues. Unfortunately, the bigger blow was still waiting in the wings for Waltrip as NAPA, Aaron's, and 5-Hour energy all publicly announced they were reviewing sponsorship agreements.

Last Thursday, NAPA announced that the company would no longer sponsor Michael Waltrip Racing after December 31, 2013.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

NAPA has been a sponsor for Waltrip since 2001 when it came on board with his Earnhardt-owned car. The loss of sponsorship means tens of millions in lost revenue for the MWR team, adding further trouble to ongoing sponsorship struggles. However, the more unfortunate news is that Martin Truex Jr., the teammate least involved in the infractions, may end up losing the most, as NAPA was primary sponsor on his car. MWR still has a two-year commitment to Truex, but no more sweet sweet sponsor money from NAPA may make that a moot point.

Most Popular

Aaron's has announced it will continue to support MWR, and 5-hour has continued to say the company will handle any developments internally. Hopefully this will be the final nail in this scandal's coffin.

Unfortunately, this news is another spotlight on the truth of NASCAR infractions: Mike Helton may be the man when it comes to rules, but the buck ultimately stops with the sponsors.